Okay, finally you've got me. I'm intrigued. We had been hoping to stay at Hostal La Macarena near the Plaza Mayor but with the continued "press" on Antonio's Hostal Chelo , we may reconsider. Since we have only stayed at the Hostal Andorra on the Gran Vía (and found it a bargain at about $35 per night), Hostal Chelo looks like a viable option. I know that a lot has been written about it. I checked the location on the map. It appears to be within easy walking distance of most everything. Am I correct? What's its finest attribute?--CC

hehehe.. you're kidding, right? OH! You mean OTHER THAN having Antonio's mental encyclopedia of Madrid tourism at your beckon call?? (does the fact that Antonio's sister is cute count? No. Maybe not, Carole. hehehehe.. :p )

I spent a night there in October 2000 after one of the "Party With MadridMan in Madrid" gatherings and I slept like a baby.

Hostal Chelo is nice. What's its greatest attribute? That's a tough one because in many respects it's very similar to the many other hostels at which I've stayed in Madrid: spotlessly clean, balcony (in some rooms), TV, smallish rooms and bathrooms (as compared with a hotel, that is), good location. (see 3 photos of the building and map HERE on the QDQ.com site. I stayed in one of those rooms above with the balcony)

Hmmm.. it's tough to say ONE thing but if I HAD to I'd have to say the kindness with which Antonio and his family treat you when staying there.

Saludos, MadridMan

I am staying there for 3 nights in early March and will report back when I return. I don't know when you are traveling, but maybe that will help. Antonio has confirmed the reservation and I am looking forward to the stay!!

Well, we'll give it a try. I will visit the website then e-mail for reservations. May we have una habitacion doble con balcon, Antonio? --CC

Hi Carole,

I'm very busy this week so please wait until next Monday or so and I'll reply with all the details. In the meantime, send me all the information I request I my webpage.